Patience
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While You’re Waiting…
“After the Lord was taken up into heaven, there was a brief period of waiting. The place of the traitor Judas was filled, but nothing else seems to have been done. No signs of power just yet! Just a little company of plain men and women, meeting for prayer in an upper room! But that… Continue reading
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Hard Lessons Can Be Our Greatest Blessings
My mom’s sickness came on in the spring of 2020. It was the same week that my sister was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. That was a tough week. And it would lead to the most challenging season of my life. Being retired (and my brother being consumed with work at his job), I assumed… Continue reading
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The Spiritual Danger of Hurried Living
Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn’t come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” And Saul sacrificed the burnt… Continue reading
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Sometimes the Most Spiritual Thing We Can Do is Pause
In 1 Samuel 24, David shows self-control in sparing King Saul’s life. Two chapters later, he spares Saul’s life once again. It’s evident that he understood the gravity of those two moments; David knew that it wasn’t God’s will for him to take the life of His anointed. So instead of acting in a place… Continue reading
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Did They Think They Were Going to a Picnic?
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” – Matthew 26:5-7 There’s something almost winsome about this moment… Continue reading
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The Wisdom to Say Nothing
I’ve noticed over the years that one of the hardest things is stay quiet when we feel misunderstood. Or when someone questions our motives, or we’re criticized unfairly. When part of the story gets told, but not the whole thing. Something in us rises up and says, I need to fix this. I need to… Continue reading
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The Artist and the Windows
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Rom. 6:3-4 There’s an old story about an artist who traveled to Europe – sometimes to Rome, sometimes to France – to study the stained glass in some of the world’s greatest cathedrals. He wanted to… Continue reading
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Sometimes it Takes Faith to Do Nothing
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. – Psalm 37:7 Yesterday we talked about how fear can keep us stuck in our safe routines and convince us that staying put is the safer way to go. We looked at the one-talent servant who let fear bury what God had given him instead… Continue reading
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Can’t Raise a Toast.. So I’ll Raise a Hallelujah!
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. – Psalm 40:2 I don’t think I’ll ever forget what my life was like before Jesus reached down and pulled me out of that dark and… Continue reading
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Mercy and Justice: Was Shimei’s Death Justified?
“And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’ But… Continue reading
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Becoming Hard to Hate
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Proverbs 16:7 Isn’t life so much more enjoyable when we’re at peace with God? We’re not in such a hurry. We don’t have nearly as much stress. We ignore the little things that normally bother us. We’re much more patient with… Continue reading
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God Will Never Forget About You
Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. – Genesis 40:23 Have you ever had somebody promise to do something for you, and then – just like that – they forgot all about it? That’s exactly what happened to Joseph. The chief cup bearer, thrilled to be released from prison,… Continue reading
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What if We Considered Our Suffering a Privilege?
You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:29 Have you ever considered that trusting God and suffering for Christ can go hand in hand? This question challenges us to look beyond our pain and see God’s purpose in it. As… Continue reading
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Boredom Can Have a Spiritual Purpose
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian… Exodus 3:1 Some seasons feel like a spiritual standstill. No big revelations. No burning bushes. Just quiet, repetitive days – emails, chores, appointments, kids’ soccer games, sleep, repeat. We don’t talk much about boredom in the Christian life. But it’s there.… Continue reading
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Love… Endures a Lot
Love is patient and kind… – 1 Corinthians 13:4a Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4 cut through the haze of emotions we often associate with love. He isn’t describing how love feels… he’s showing us how it acts. True love is not a fleeting sentiment, but rather a deliberate choice, always revealed through action. It’s… Continue reading
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A Call to Holiness
“You must destroy all the peoples the Lord your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. – Deuteronomy 7:16 This verse can be difficult to understand, especially when viewed through modern sensibilities. Why would a loving… Continue reading
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A Personal Savior
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” – Luke 8:49-50 As I read this passage this evening, the thought occurred… Continue reading
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A Complaint about Complainers
Have you ever noticed how complainers have a way of finding each other, like pigeons flocking to a park bench covered in breadcrumbs? One minute you’re stuck in line behind someone griping about the weather, and before you know it, someone else chimes in with, “Oh, you think that’s bad? Let me tell you about… Continue reading
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A Word About Anger
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. – 1 Peter 2:23 Growing up I loved watching The Incredible Hulk series. The main character, Dr. David Banner, was generally an easygoing fella. But when someone pushed… Continue reading
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The Strength to Let it Go
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.– Proverbs 19:11 When we’re hurt or offended, our natural response is to often lash out or stew in bitterness. But Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that patience, rooted in wisdom, leads us to something greater: the ability to let go. Overlooking an… Continue reading
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The Danger of Criticism
Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power… Continue reading
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Do You Embrace God’s Discipline?
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.– Hebrews 12:11 Recently I began a new journey to improve my health. I’ve slowly started swapping out junk foods for more vegetables, sugary drinks for water, and… Continue reading
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Bringing Back The Wanderer
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.– James 5:19-20 It’s not uncommon for people to drift from the… Continue reading
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An Unpalatable Truth
Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the LORD sent to anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the LORD. This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from… Continue reading
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Getting Along With Others
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14 Grumbling and arguing are so common that they often feel like a natural part of life. We complain about our jobs, traffic, government, the weather, or even the slightest of inconveniences. We argue over opinions, preferences, and sometimes even the most trivial of matters. Yet, Paul… Continue reading
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Saul Makes His Men Hangry
“Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.” – 1 Samuel 14:24 It was yet another foolish decision, one that was… Continue reading
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Haman’s Hatred
“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.” –… Continue reading
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Why Do You Call Me Good?
“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV) Do you consider yourself to be a good driver? Of course you do. Everyone does. In fact, the… Continue reading
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A Patient Faith
“Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says–‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He… Continue reading
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Removing Our Sandals
“It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31 When Moses saw the flames coming from the burning bush but noticed that it wasn’t being consumed by the fire, he went over to investigate. Suddenly God’s voice called from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am,” Moses replied.… Continue reading
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Becoming Hard to Hate
“When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” Proverbs 16:7 Isn’t life so much more enjoyable when we’re at peace with God? We’re not in such a hurry. We don’t have nearly as much stress. We ignore the little things that normally bother us. We’re much more patient with… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Self-Control
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 Over the past few weeks we’ve reflected on the fruit that Paul says the Holy Spirit can produce inside of us as we grow and mature as followers… Continue reading
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The Fruit of Patience
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Jonah 4:4 In recent days we’ve been focusing our meditations on the fruit of the Spirit. You will recall that the first three fruit we’ve talked about (Love, Joy, and Peace) are the inward fruit, the fruit that comes directly from God.… Continue reading
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The Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 At a recent checkup with my doctor, she recommended that I add more fruit to my daily diet. “Some of these dietary supplements you’re taking are naturally found… Continue reading
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Thy Will Be Done
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8 When the Lord appointed him to be Moses’ successor and finish leading the Israelites into the Promised… Continue reading
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In His Own Good Time
As I was reading the account of Jesus bringing his friend Lazarus back to life in John 11, I was reminded once again that Jesus waited two full days to make the journey back to Bethany after hearing the news that Lazarus was gravely ill. Of course, Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead by… Continue reading
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New Mercies Each Morning
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:22-23 Most of us wake up each morning with thoughts of what awaits us for the day ahead. The first order of business is getting a cup of coffee.… Continue reading
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Do You Ever Feel Forgotten?
“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” – Gen. 40:23 Do you sometimes go through periods in your life where you feel unappreciated, perhaps even unnoticed? Like everything you do seems to matter to no one? Maybe sometimes even wondering if perhaps even God has completely forgotten about you? Maybe you’re… Continue reading
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Taking the Waiting out of Wanting
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:21 When it comes to having to wait, we humans are naturally inclined to complain. “What? Our flight was delayed? You can’t be serious!” Or, “Why has my item not arrived? I ordered it three days ago!”… Continue reading
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When Belated Rewards are the Greatest Rewards
That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door… Continue reading
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When We Don’t Like What God Wants Us To Do
“But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord…” Jonah 1:3 If you were God and were searching for a potential candidate to become one of your prophets, you would probably have a list of good qualities that you would require for the position. You’d want someone who… Continue reading
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God-Grown is Better Than Home-Grown
“So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:10-11 (ESV) Paul knew that wisdom and discernment can only come from a deep reverence and love… Continue reading
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Joshua’s Example
“When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.” – Joshua 6:20 Sometimes God will intentionally put you in a situation that requires you to come face-to-face with your need… Continue reading
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When Your Family Thinks You’re Crazy
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” – John 7:5 “I had an uncle who one time…” We all have that crazy uncle. But we often forget that the crazy uncle is the brother to either our mother or father. So before he became a crazy uncle, indeed he was a crazy… Continue reading
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Counting the Days
“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf….” ~ Genesis 8:11 After Noah gathered the animals and his family inside the ark that the Lord commanded him to build, the sky turned into a torrential waterfall for the next 40 days. Moses records that… Continue reading
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There’s Value in Not Knowing Everything
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most beloved passages of Scripture in all of the Old Testament. And for good reason! Don’t we take… Continue reading
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Don’t Click Send
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 I was upset. A friend I’d known for many years said something incredibly hurtful. Immediately we became involved in a heated discussion and the both of us began making a… Continue reading
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I Can’t See Straight Sometimes
The guy standing at the busy intersection, holding a sign that reads: “Homeless and Need Help.” The aggressive driver behind me tailgating. The grouchy lady working the counter at the coffee shop. The neighbor across the street who seldom waves back at me. He had to see me waving at him! The truck driver who… Continue reading
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The Best Advice
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” ~ Proverbs 13:10 I wouldn’t do that if I were you. As children, most of us probably heard that sentence hundreds of times growing up. And again, as children, most of us probably disregarded that suggestion more times than… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!
Former Blackout Artist 